fritz

¹ American  

[frits] / frɪts /

verb phrase

1. fritz out to become inoperable.

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idioms

1. on the fritz, not in working order.

   Our TV went on the fritz last night.

Fritz ² American  

[frits] / frɪts /

noun

1. Older Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a German, especially a German soldier.

2. a male given name.

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fritz More Idioms  

1. see on the blink (fritz).

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Sensitive Note

Fritz was a nickname used by Allied soldiers for a German soldier during World War I and II.

Etymology

Origin of fritz¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; of obscure origin

Origin of Fritz²

1910–15; < German; common nickname for Friedrich

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, who sets property values for homeowners and businesses, and the Cook County Board of Review, which hears appeals on those valuations, are sparring over who is responsible for the big jump in homeowner taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fritz has been a staple in the top 20 for the past four seasons, with a game built around a serve that was ranked second on the ATP Tour in 2025.

From BBC

Fritz's problem so far has been simple: his level is not as high as Alcaraz or Sinner's.

From BBC

John Fritz was 10 when he and his family fled to a remote cabin to wait out the crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the early 1930s, Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky noticed that many galaxies were moving far faster than their visible mass should permit.

From Science Daily